Al-Anon Family Groups provide support and hope for the families and friends of people struggling with alcoholism and addiction. Founded in 1951 by Lois Wilson (wife of AA co-founder Bill W.) and Anne B., Al-Anon recognizes that addiction is a family disease that affects everyone close to the person who drinks.
Who Is Al-Anon For?
Al-Anon is for anyone whose life has been affected by someone else’s drinking or drug use — spouses, parents, children, siblings, friends, and coworkers. You don’t have to wait for your loved one to get help. Al-Anon focuses on your recovery, regardless of what the addicted person does.
How Al-Anon Helps
Through meetings, literature, and the support of others who understand, Al-Anon members learn to:
- Stop enabling behaviors
- Set healthy boundaries
- Find peace regardless of whether their loved one seeks recovery
- Understand that they did not cause the addiction and cannot cure or control it
Al-Anon also includes Alateen, a program specifically for young people (ages 12-19) affected by someone else’s drinking.
Find Al-Anon meetings near you or visit al-anon.org. For treatment resources for your loved one, visit Red Door Recovery Network.
Need Help Finding Recovery Support?
Whether you’re looking for treatment providers, community meetings, peer support, or harm reduction services, Red Door Recovery Network can help. All services are free to search and access.
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